German companies hold a leadership position in the field of sustainable production technologies. Numerous research projects deal with the question of how resource and energy efficiency can be increased. This includes lightweight construction techniques as well as mobile energy sources and resource-conserving production processes.

Germany owes the title of "export champion" primarily to the mainstay of its industry, the manufacturing industry. In mechanical engineering, German companies offer a wide range of jobs and opportunities. For example, about 6,000 companies with over 975,000 employees accounted for a turnover of over 205 billion euros in 2008. With a world market share of 19 percent, German mechanical engineers hold the top position.

It has become important to develop sustainable technologies in the field of production, also in connection with climate change. The Federal Government supports the development of innovative approaches towards increasing resource and energy efficiency in production with the "Green Production Technologies" campaign.